By change, he meant more businesses, more development, more thriving. Former mayor Kevin Johnson had a lot to do with that. Some consider his new restaurant symbolic.

‘You can look at a number of other projects he’s done, he cares deeply about Oak Park, there’s no doubt about. I’ve always said it was my district but his neighborhood – where he grew up,” said Jay Schenirer, who represents Oak Park in the Sacramento City Council.

Robinson said Oak Park is like an ecosystem. People at the restaurants come to his barbershop and he returns the favor.

“But it’s up and moving you can see it every day. At least I can and everybody else that works in this area,” Robinson said.

Johnson’s charity organization St. HOPE released a statement about the new restaurant Tuesday.

“Mayor Johnson is thrilled to be bringing Fixins Soul Kitchen to Oak Park. When St HOPE first opened the 40 Acres complex, the original vision was to have a Soul food restaurant in that space. It’s amazing that on St HOPE’s 30th anniversary we can bring that dream to fruition. The Mayor has brought together a talented team to run the day to day operations of the restaurant but this effort has been a labor of love by the entire Johnson family and friends network. We’ve brought together recipes and favorites from lots of them (including Grandma Johnson!) and want to make them proud. We look forward to serving the Oak Park community and setting the standard for the American Soul Food experience by bringing together authentic, delicious food and impeccable service in a hip, energetic atmosphere. Fixins is confident that this establishment will bring the community together in a unique way. “

Managers at Fixins said the restaurant is expected to open by the end of the month. They said there will be a main dining area, a bar and a patio. They are hiring and have dozens of positions open.